Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee
I think once a guy makes that much money in his career whatever fans hope for in terms of proving internet or fan opinions wrong is hilariously and hopelessly naive. I mean I hope I’m wrong but I don’t see Neal working that hard this summer when his career is in a death spiral and the mountain seems too big to climb.
This is why the guaranteed contracts in the NHL have a hugely detrimental effect to the business and product overall. There just isn’t a lot of motivation there once you’re all set up and taken care of. It’s few and far between and real special players, like Gaudreau, who once they get their ocean of money still put in the work ethic. I just don’t see that happen for the majority of players especially the ones that struggle to contribute and are in the twilight of their careers.
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Sorry, but I don't agree with this take at all. There are certainly some inherently lazy unmotivated players but I would feel confident that they are fewer in number than almost all walks of life. The amount of training and dedication required to make it in the NHL weeds out those that don't have the drive to be the best they can be. I don't believe that these driven, ultra competitive pro athletes with egos to match suddenly start mailing it in because they become millionaires.
Now, the idea that it is a game for the young and fast, and that losing a step can have a dramatic effect, is very believable.